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Post by petematty on May 3, 2021 13:12:33 GMT
Hi ,Newbie here,I have an old Michigan wooden resonator with a pressed cone, I'd like to replace it as it's a bit dull sounding, I tried a Chinese cheapo cone but,it didnt fit.please advise me! I have pics but haven't worked out how to upload!
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Post by Michael Messer on May 3, 2021 13:27:18 GMT
Hi ,Newbie here,I have an old Michigan wooden resonator with a pressed cone, I'd like to replace it as it's a bit dull sounding, I tried a Chinese cheapo cone but,it didnt fit.please advise me! I have pics but haven't worked out how to upload! Hello Pete, Welcome to our forum. You have come to the right place. There are a lot of helpful and knowledgeable people here. I assume your guitar is a spider bridge Dobro-style instrument? What cone did you get and what size is it? To post photos use ADD ATTACHMENT in the top right of the message window. DO NOT USE "QUICK REPLY" OPTION >USE "REPLY" on the right hand side. Shine On Michael
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Post by petematty on May 3, 2021 13:35:32 GMT
Hi Michael,Yes ,spider .The cone I bought was 26.7 cm. Cheers Pete
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Post by Michael Messer on May 3, 2021 14:08:49 GMT
Pete,
Much better on here than on Facebook.
We need more information and some photos to be able to advise you properly.
Your Michigan was possibly built by Regal. Does it have a wooden coverplate? Also, please explain why the 10.5" resonator doesn't fit. Was it originally a lug cone with short spider legs?
You see, there are many variations to consider and that is why I keep asking you for photos.
Shine On Michael
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Post by petematty on May 3, 2021 14:27:09 GMT
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Post by petematty on May 3, 2021 14:29:05 GMT
The cone didn't sit properly in the hole, also the bridge was the wrong height compared to the original
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Post by Michael Messer on May 3, 2021 16:35:04 GMT
Pete, That is a beautiful looking guitar. It will not go in without needing some adjustments to the setup. My advice is to get a 10.5" Beard resonator and get it fitted by a knowledgeable luthier that is very used to working on Dobros. Here's a link to the cone... www.resophonicoutfitters.com/product/BC-1.htmlDo not fit a hard ebony capped bridge. Fit a soft English Box wood bridge saddle. I hope that is helpful Shine On Michael Pete's guitar.... [img src=" " alt=" "]
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Post by petematty on May 3, 2021 23:10:43 GMT
Thanks for advice Michael. The existing cone is pressed and sounds good but very dark,is that a symptom of a tired cone ? Cheers Pete
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Post by bryanbradfield on May 4, 2021 0:43:03 GMT
When I saw the script and the name (Michigan) on the head stock, I immediately thought of B & J (Buegeleisen and Jacobson), a musical instrument distributor based in New York. I theorize that Regal made the instrument and labelled it for B & J.
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Post by Michael Messer on May 4, 2021 6:56:16 GMT
Pete,
I am not sure that I understand what you are saying about the cone being "dark" or "tired". Changing an old cone for a new one is the last thing I would want to do in a 1930s guitar like yours.
These days modern Dobro players with new instruments that are looking for a bright clean tone with little character, all change their cones regularly as if they were a set of strings. I am not sure if this trend is promoted by the players or the manufacturers. Your Dobro is an old one with lots of character and probably a sweet tone. My advice would be to leave it alone and maybe look at the setup or the bridge saddle, but I would not recommend a new cone.
If you would like us to hear your guitar, maybe you could post a recording, or video.
A note from Mark Makin's book... "This logo often appears on Dobros®, usually cheaper Regals with wooden coverplates. The trade name ‘Michigan’ was a name used by dealers, Bear & Sons on ukuleles, cello and roundhole-style cheaper brands as well as Dobros®. Sometimes stating “Bear & Sons, Sole Agents, London” and sometimes, “Bear & Sons, London & Toronto”."
Shine On Michael
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Post by davey on May 4, 2021 9:05:56 GMT
I've had this identical guitar with the Michigan logo a few years ago, I've also had the identical Guitar with a Regal logo so I imagine it's made by Regal. They weren't the loudest resonators I've had but they sounded particularly good with an aluminium nut-riser and played lap style. The sound was rich and sweet.
I'd consider a different variety of strings, nickel bronze or Monel and maybe just medium gauge. I think heavy gauge muffle those lugged cones, but they can sound gorgeous. A new saddle and the adjustment screw setting properly can help too.
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Post by Michael Messer on May 4, 2021 9:39:52 GMT
I've had this identical guitar with the Michigan logo a few years ago, I've also had the identical Guitar with a Regal logo so I imagine it's made by Regal. They weren't the loudest resonators I've had but they sounded particularly good with an aluminium nut-riser and played lap style. The sound was rich and sweet. I'd consider a different variety of strings, nickel bronze or Monel and maybe just medium gauge. I think heavy gauge muffle those lugged cones, but they can sound gorgeous. A new saddle and the adjustment screw setting properly can help too. Davey, all good points to be aware of, especially bridge material and tension screw. From what I can see in the photo, this guitar does not have a lug cone. It has a regular long legged spider. Perhaps Pete could clarify this for us? Thanks Shine On Michael
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Post by davey on May 4, 2021 10:31:47 GMT
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Post by petematty on May 4, 2021 15:43:06 GMT
Hi folks, Thanks for your advice, it sounds great! Perhaps I should buy a modern resonator for sessions. I could do a recording. Its a regular long legged spider,the saddle looks like boxwood
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Post by davey on May 4, 2021 16:33:44 GMT
Check the adjustment screw as per the setup guide. Too loose or too tight and you lose tone.
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